What happened
On June 1, 2008, a private Piper PA 46-310 P « Malibu», registered F-GJHZ, was involved in an accident during a sightseeing flight at the private Berdoues aerodrome. The pilot, who was also the manager of the airfield, intended to take five passengers on a short flight. Upon arrival, the pilot noted a cumulonimbus cloud approaching the runway from the west. Believing there was sufficient time to complete the flight before weather conditions deteriorated, the pilot proceeded with the takeoff using a standard configuration with flaps retracted.
During taxiing, the pilot initially estimated the wind to be from the south at 30 knots. However, as the aircraft lined up on runway 08, the pilot observed that the windsock indicated a 30-knot tailwind. Deciding it was too late to abort the takeoff, the pilot applied full power and rotated. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude and descended into the grassy area at the end of the runway, striking a hedge located approximately 200 meters beyond the runway threshold. The aircraft then slid on its belly and performed a ground loop before coming to a stop in a soft field roughly 300 meters from the runway. The impact resulted in minor injuries to the pilot and passengers and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft was within its weight and balance limits. The flight manual specifies a maximum takeoff tailwind limit of 15 knots. On a level runway, the required takeoff distance for this aircraft is 1,300 meters; however, the runway at Berdoues is 780 meters long with a 2% downgrade slope.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient consideration of meteorological conditions, specifically the decision to proceed with a takeoff despite a tailwind that significantly exceeded the manufacturer's limits.
- The pilot's judgment was impaired by alcohol consumption, as blood alcohol concentration tests conducted shortly after the accident revealed a level of 0.98 g/L.